“In my opinion this is disrespect for the country, sheer interference in internal affairs of the Russian Federation and the activity of an independent agency – the Russian Central Election Commission,” CEC secretary Nikolai Konkin told reporters on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Catherine Ashton demanded to immediately register Grogory Yavlinsky, nominated by the Yabloko Party, as candidate for Russia’s presidency.

Konkin also reminded reporters that “before February 6 Yavlinsky has the right to challenge in the Supreme Court CEC’s refusal to register him”.